Over 100 high-profile representatives from across the public and private sectors participated in the panel discussion, which considered the role that the YSX could play in driving the development of Myanmar’s capital market and broader economic growth.

The lively debate took place on May 5 at the Chatrium Hotel in Yangon, just weeks after the stock exchange began trading with a single listed company, First Myanmar Investment (FMI).

Recognised as a major milestone, the YSX forms part of a raft of ambitious reforms that have marked Myanmar’s opening up to the outside world in recent years. The country is keen to attract higher levels of international investment as a means of supporting its development.

The YSX is a joint venture between Myanmar Economic Bank, Japan’s Daiwa Securities Group and Japan Exchange Group (JPX), which operates the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

The key role that the partnership with Japan is expected to play in helping the YSX attract new listings was a topic of discussion at OBG’s debate. Guests also explored the challenges that the exchange will face in its early stages of trading, including issues around the valuation of companies and how the YSX will handle new listings.

Michael Nesbitt, OBG’s Editorial Manager in Myanmar, said the opening of the YSX was a reflection of Yangon’s evolving business landscape and investment climate.

“Our discussions acknowledged that these are very early days, while achieving a liquid market will present challenges,” he noted. “However, participants were also confident that the exchange will bolster access to capital and promote accounting standards for local companies.”

Tina Singhsacha, the Chief Representative of the Myanmar representative office Standard Chartered Bank and Vice-Chairman of the British Chamber, added that key areas such as valuation mechanisms and trading platform management still need to be enhanced. “However, the launch of the exchange is a critical step forward in the development of Myanmar’s capital markets,” she said.

Many of the issues on the agenda at the forum are further explored in The Report: Myanmar 2016, Oxford Business Group’s latest publication on the country’s economy.

The publication is a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure and other sectoral developments. It is available in print and online.